It has a lot of potent antioxidants, including vitamin C (in the form of tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate), vitamin E, green tea (in high concentration) and soybean extract. Vitamin C and vitamin E are network antioxidants that synergistically enhance the power of one another. Green tea is one of the most potent antioxidant sources, depending on the source from which it is derived, and soybean extract has been shown to serve as an antioxidant that also increases collagen production over time. Paula’s Choice Antioxidant Serum also has retinol. Although, according to dermatologist Dr. Mary Lupo, retinol is 20 times weaker than the potency of prescription retinoids, retinol is still able to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, increase cell turnover rate, increase skin smoothness, and increase skin’s collagen production over time (sources here).

At night before moisturizer, and in the morning only if a broad-spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen is used. There appears to be a fairly high concentration of retinol in this product, which makes your skin more sensitive to the sun. As sun exposure is the number one cause of premature skin aging, it is highly recommended that you use this or any other retinol/retinyl palmitate/retinoid product with daily broad-spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreens. (More on sunscreen is available here.)

To the advantage of Paula’s Choice Antioxidant Serum, according to Revercel.com, the form of vitamin C in the product, Tetrahexadecyl Ascorbate, is a very stable, bioavailable form of Vitamin C, which the skin uses more effectively than the ascorbic acid form. Unfortunately, no non-company-affiliated published studies have verified the effectiveness of Tetrahexadecyl Ascorbate over L-ascorbic acid.

Each product gets a 9.5/10 in my book. It is mainly a matter of preference, but for the difference in money, you may want to choose Paula’s Choice Antioxidant Serum.

Paula’s Choice Antioxidant Serum contains a (reportedly) more stable form of Vitamin C and has additional antioxidants and super anti-aging retinol, but unfortunately does not report the product’s concentration of Vitamin C or Vitamin E like Skinceuticals CE Ferulic does. The product also needs to be used daily under a broad-spectrum, UVA/UVB sunscreen, for retinol makes the skin photosensitive and more susceptible to sun damage.

However, in the favor of Skinceuticals CE Ferulic, the product lists its concentrations of Vitamin C and Vitamin E, but contains the L-ascorbic acid form of vitamin C, which becomes oxidized after exposure to heat and light over time, turning the usually-clear solution into a yellow or orange color. In addition, reports have stated that unstable Vitamin C can induce free-radical damage in the skin, so cap Skinceuticals CE Ferulic tightly after each use, and keep it in a cool, dark place.

Overall, two wonderful antioxidant serums! It is simply a matter of choice, based on the factors listed above. Happy shopping!

Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C)

Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice

Cleansers

$39.00

4 thoughts on “Product Review: Paula’s Choice Antioxidant Serum”

Denisesays:

Out of curiosity, I decided to use the live chat function on PC’s choice’s website and ask what the % of vit C and E were. Apparently, most companies do not give out this information as it is proprietary.

How do you feel this compares to Paula’s RESIST ULTRA-LIGHT SUPER ANTIOXIDANT CONCENTRATE SERUM (which is formulated for combination skin, since the reviewed serum contains oils and is recommended for dry skin)? They offer some differing ingredients, but would the combination skin option work as effectively? I would be hesitant to use the reviewed serum during summer etc. due to the contained oils. Thanks!